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1974-108, Needlework Pillow or Furniture Cover
Needlework Pillow or Furniture Cover with Stag and Unicorn
1974-108, Needlework Pillow or Furniture Cover

Needlework Pillow or Furniture Cover with Stag and Unicorn

Date1600-1625
OriginEngland
MediumCrewel wool yarn on a linen canvas ground of 23 x 25 threads per inch (fiber identification by eye)
DimensionsOW: 25 1/2" OH: 14 7/8"
Credit LineBequest of The Honorable Irwin Untermyer
Object number1974-108
DescriptionThis is a rectangular needlework cover, possibly for a cushion or stool. It is worked in shades of black, blue, green, tan, and blue crewel yarns on a linen ground of 23 x 25 threads per inch. The composition features a stag and unicorn with four large birds--from left to right, an owl, rock thrush (?), falcon, and hoopoe (?)--perched on branches of two tree-like vines of roses and grape clusters.
Label TextPictorial embroideries were made during the reigns of Elizabeth I and James I; however, they were used to decorate an object, such as a pillow cover, valance, or furniture cover. Not until the 1640s was the embroidered picture considered decorative in its own right. This composition features a stag, a unicorn, and four birds--from left to right, an owl, rock thrush (?), falcon, and hoopoe (?).
ProvenanceEx coll: Irwin Untermeyer.
Exhibition(s)